How can I lighten my brows?

Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing.

Full but lightened brows can soften one's features, especially if you have light-coloured hair. Look at celebrities such as Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing, and the members of K-pop group 2NE1.

For those with naturally dark hair, covering up your dark brows with lighter eyebrow gels or pencils will only make them look patchy. It is best to dye the hairs a few shades lighter to maximise the effect of light brown eyebrow products.

To not look washed out with lighter brows, they should be at least two shades darker than your hair colour.

Refrain from dyeing your own brows with home hair-colouring products. The hairdye formulas might irritate your skin and, worse, they might accidentally drip into your eyes. You might also find it tricky to ensure that both brows end up the same shade, or are lightened to the colour that you desire.

Once your brows are lightened, fill in the gaps with a light coloured pencil or powder, and a light-coloured brow gel that can coat the hairs and make your brows look defined but softer at the same time.

This article was published on April 4 in Urban, The Straits Times.Get a copy of Urban, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.